Seating assembly to support a mobile computing device and method of supporting the mobile computing device with the seating assembly

ABSTRACT

A method of supporting a mobile computing device in a vehicle comprising: providing a seating assembly disposed in an interior of a vehicle, the seating assembly comprising a seatback and a headrest adjustably coupled to the seatback; placing a mobile computing device between the seatback and the headrest; and adjusting the headrest relative to the seatback such that the seatback and the headrest support the mobile computing device. The seatback can further comprise a first lower support member including an upward extension, wherein, placing a mobile computing device between the seatback and the headrest includes placing the mobile computing device adjacent and forward the upward extension of the first lower support member; and wherein, the upward extension of the first lower support member further supports the mobile computing device. The method can further comprise connecting the mobile computing device to a connection port on the seating assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/296,609, filed on Mar. 8, 2019, entitled“SEATING ASSEMBLY TO SUPPORT A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE AND METHOD OFSUPPORTING THE MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE WITH THE SEATING ASSEMBLY,” nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,821,909, which is a divisional of and claims priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/680,263, filed on Aug. 18, 2017,entitled “SEATING ASSEMBLY TO SUPPORT A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE ANDMETHOD OF SUPPORTING THE MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE WITH THE SEATINGASSEMBLY,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,308,192, the disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a seating assembly within aninterior of a vehicle that supports a mobile computing device andprovides a connection whereby the mobile computing device cansynchronize with and control a communications and entertainmentcomputing system onboard the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Luxury vehicles sometimes include an entertainment system with a videodisplay on a rear portion of a seating assembly located in a front rowof seating. Thus, an occupant of a second row of seating can use theentertainment system to display a video on the video display forentertainment. Non-luxury vehicles typically do not provide suchentertainment systems built into the seating assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a seating assemblyfor a vehicle comprises: a seatback including a first lower supportmember attached to a top portion, the lower support member including anupward extension; and a headrest coupled to the seatback, the headrestincluding a bottom portion facing the top portion of the seatback and anupper support member disposed at the bottom portion of the headrest, theupper support member including a downward extension.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the invention can include any one ora combination of the following features:

-   -   the headrest further includes a first coupling member extending        downward from the bottom portion;    -   the coupling member projects into the seatback;    -   the headrest is adjustable relative to the seatback such that        the distance between the top portion of the seatback and the        bottom portion of the headrest can be altered by adjusting how        far the first coupling member of the headrest projects into the        seatback;    -   the first lower support member further including an aperture;    -   the first coupling member of the headrest extends through the        aperture of the first lower support member;    -   the upward extension of the first lower support member is        disposed rearward from the aperture of the first lower support        member;    -   the seatback further includes a second lower support member        attached to the top portion of the seatback;    -   the second lower support member also includes an upward        extension that is parallel to the upward extension of the first        lower support member and an aperture;    -   the headrest further includes a second coupling member extending        downward from the bottom portion and parallel to the first        coupling member;    -   the second coupling member extends through the aperture of the        second lower support member and projects into the seatback;    -   the upward extension of the second lower support member is        disposed rearward of the aperture of the second lower support        member;    -   the downward extension of the upper support member is disposed        between the first coupling member and the second coupling        member;    -   the seating assembly further includes a mobile computing device,        which includes a display, disposed between the top portion of        the seatback and the bottom portion of the headrest, such that        the downward extension of the upper support member, the upward        extension of the first lower support member, and the upward        extension of the second lower support member support the mobile        computing device;    -   the headrest further includes a downward extending portion that        extends generally orthogonally downward relative to the bottom        portion of the headrest;    -   the downward extending portion is disposed forward of the mobile        computing device and has a width that is wider than the distance        between the upward extension of the first lower support member        and upward extension of the second lower support member;    -   the width of the downward extending portion is wider than a        width of the downward extension of the upper support member;    -   the seating assembly further includes a connection port that        enables a mobile computer to connect with a communications and        entertainment computing system within the vehicle; and    -   a wire connects the mobile computing device to the connection        port.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method ofsupporting a mobile computing device in a vehicle comprises: providing aseating assembly disposed in an interior of a vehicle, the seatingassembly comprising a seatback and a headrest adjustably coupled to theseatback; placing a mobile computing device between the seatback and theheadrest; and adjusting the headrest relative to the seatback such thatthe seatback and the headrest support the mobile computing device.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention can include any one ora combination of the following features:

-   -   the seatback further comprises a first lower support member        including an upward extension, wherein, placing a mobile        computing device between the seatback and the headrest includes        placing the mobile computing device adjacent and forward the        upward extension of the first lower support member, and wherein,        the upward extension of the first lower support member further        supports the mobile computing device;    -   the headrest further comprises an upper support member including        a downward extension, wherein, placing a mobile computing device        between the seatback and the headrest further includes placing        the mobile computing device adjacent and rearward the downward        extension of the upper support member, and wherein, the downward        extension further supports the mobile computing device;    -   the headrest further includes a first coupling member extending        downward from the bottom portion and projecting into the        seatback, wherein, placing a mobile computing device between the        seatback and the headrest further includes placing the mobile        computing device rearward of the first coupling member, and        wherein, adjusting the headrest relative to the seatback such        that the seatback and the headrest support the mobile computing        device includes causing the coupling member to move further        within the seatback;    -   the first lower support member further includes an aperture,        which the first coupling member of the headrest extends through,        wherein adjusting the headrest relative to the seatback such        that the seatback and the headrest support the mobile computing        device further includes causing the coupling member to move        within the aperture of the first lower support member;    -   the seatback further includes a second lower support member,        which also includes an upward extension that is parallel to the        upward extension of the first lower support member and an        aperture;    -   the headrest further includes a second coupling member that is        parallel to the first coupling member, extends through the        aperture of the second lower support member, and projects into        the seatback;    -   placing a mobile computing device between the seatback and the        headrest further includes placing the mobile computing device        adjacent and forward the upward extension of the second lower        support member;    -   the upward extension of the second lower support member further        supports the mobile computing device;    -   adjusting the headrest relative to the seatback such that the        seatback and the headrest support the mobile computing device        includes causing the second coupling member to move further        within the seatback;    -   the headrest further includes a downward extending portion that        is forward of the upper support member, wherein, placing a        mobile computing device between the seatback and the headrest        further includes placing the mobile computing device rearward of        the downward extending portion of the headrest;    -   the seating assembly further includes a connection port that        enables a mobile computer to connect with a communications and        entertainment computing system within the vehicle;    -   the method further comprises connecting the mobile computing        device to the connection port;    -   the method further comprises synchronizing the mobile computing        device with the communications and entertainment computing        system within the vehicle; and    -   the method further comprises controlling audio output of a        speaker system within the vehicle with the mobile computing        device.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interior of a vehicle, illustrating afirst row of seating with a seating assembly for an operator of thevehicle and a second row of seating;

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a user interface and a primaryconnection port in communication with a communications and entertainmentcomputing system of the vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the interior of the vehicle of FIG. 1,illustrating the seating assembly of FIG. 1 with a headrest coupled to aseatback, which includes a connection port;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the headrest and seatback of FIG. 2,illustrating a first lower support member and a second lower supportmember attached to a top portion of the seatback;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the headrest and seatback of FIG. 2,illustrating an upper support member attached to the headrest and afirst coupling member coupling the headrest to the seatback;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the firstlower support member of FIG. 3, illustrating a groove transitioningbetween a planar surface and an orthogonal surface;

FIG. 5B is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the first lowersupport member of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theheadrest of FIG. 2, illustrating a downward extending portion forward ofan upper support member;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the headrest ofFIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a rear perspective view of the headrest and seatback of FIG.2, illustrating the headrest in a lowered position relative to theseatback;

FIG. 7B is a rear perspective view of the headrest and seatback of FIG.2, illustrating the headrest in a raised position relative to theseatback;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the headrest and seatback of FIG.2, illustrating the headrest in the raised position and a mobilecomputing device placed between the headrest and the seatback;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the headrest of FIG. 2 moving fromthe raised position toward the seatback until the mobile computingdevice prevents further movement;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the mobile computing device disposed betweenthe seatback and headrest of FIG. 2, illustrating the upper supportmember and lower support member supporting the mobile computing device;

FIG. 11A is a rear perspective view of the alternative embodiment of theheadrest of FIG. 6A, illustrating the mobile computing device betweenthe headrest in a raised position and the seatback;

FIG. 11B is a rear perspective view of the alternative embodiment of theheadrest of FIG. 6A, illustrating the headrest being moved toward theseatback to support the mobile computing device;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for a synchronizing routine stored and executedby the communications and entertainment computing system of FIG. 1A; and

FIG. 13 is a view of the user interface of FIG. 1, illustratinggraphical representations for the operator to touch to make a selectionregarding which mobile computing device shall control the communicationsand entertainment computing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “lower,” “top,” “upward,”“bottom,” “upper,” “downward,” “rearward,” “forward,” “front,” “rear,”“raised,” “lowered,” “below,” and derivatives thereof, shall relate tothe disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understoodthat the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, exceptwhere expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understoodthat the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attacheddrawings, and described in the following specification are simplyexemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appendedclaims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristicsrelating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered aslimiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 1A, and 2, a vehicle 10 includes a frame 12separating an interior 14 from an exterior 16. The vehicle 10 furtherincludes a first row of seating 18 and a second row of seating 20rearward of (i.e., behind) the first row of seating 18. The vehicle 10may further include a third row of seating (not illustrated) behind thesecond row of seating 20, and so on. The vehicle 10 can be a car, truck,sport utility vehicle, or van, among other things.

The first row of seating 18 includes a seating assembly 22 for anoperator of the vehicle 10 to occupy. The first row of seating 18 canfurther include another seating assembly 24, adjacent the seatingassembly 22 (or separated from the seating assembly 22 by a console) fora passenger of the vehicle 10 to occupy. The second row of seating 20may be for additional passengers of the vehicle 10 to occupy. Anoccupant of the second row of seating 20 faces in the general directionof the first row of seating 18. For example, a passenger occupying seat26 of the second row of seating 20 faces the seating assembly 22 of thefirst row of seating 18. Likewise, a passenger occupying seat 28 of thesecond row of seating 20 faces the other seating assembly 24 of thefirst row of seating 18.

The vehicle 10 further includes a communications and entertainmentcomputing system 30. Examples of a communications and entertainmentcomputing system 30 are the SYNC® 3 provided by Ford Motor Company,ENTUNE® by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., and MyLink provided byGeneral Motors. A “communications and entertainment computing system” issometimes referred to as an “infotainment system” and the former phraseis intended to include the latter phrase. The vehicle 10 furtherincludes a primary connection port 32, accessible to an occupantoccupying the first row of seating 18, in communication with thecommunications and entertainment computing system 30. The vehicle 10further includes a user interface 34, which can be a touch screen, incommunication with the communications and entertainment computing system30. The communications and entertainment computing system 30 can displayinformation and request operator feedback via touchable selections viathe user interface 34. The vehicle 10 can further include a speakersystem including speaker 36 and other speakers (not shown) locatedwithin the vehicle 10. The speaker system, including speaker 36, canoutput audio (i.e., sound, such as music).

The seating assembly 22 includes a seat 38, a seatback 40, and aheadrest 42 coupled to the seatback 40. The seatback 40 generally pivotsforward and rearward to change the angular relation of the seatback 40to the seat 38. The seatback 40 includes a front portion 44, a rearportion 46, a side portion 48, another side portion 50, and a topportion 52. The front portion 44 generally faces and supports anoccupant of the seating assembly 22. An occupant of the seat 26 of thesecond row of seating 20 faces the rear portion 46 of the seatingassembly 22. The top portion 52 is the upper most part of the seatback40 and at least part of the top portion 52 faces the headrest 42. Theother seating assembly 24 of the first row of seating 18 is identical inall respects to the seating assembly 22 and any discussion herein of thecomponents of the seating assembly 22 applies equally to the otherseating assembly 24.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 3-4, the seatback 40 furtherincludes a first lower support member 54. The first lower support member54 is attached to the seatback 40 at the top portion 52. The first lowersupport member 54 includes an upward extension 56. The first lowersupport member 54 may further include an aperture 58. The upwardextension 56 is disposed rearward from the aperture 58. The first lowersupport member 54 may additionally include a planar surface 60 facingthe headrest 42, as this embodiment of the first lower support member 54does. The upward extension 56 extends upward relative to the planarsurface 60. In this embodiment, the upward extension 56 forms a hookedsurface 62. Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in an alternative embodimentof the first lower support member 54, first lower support member 54A, anupward extension 56A provides an orthogonal surface 64A relative to aplanar surface 60A and a groove 66A adjacent the upward extension 56A,transitioning between the planar surface 60A and the orthogonal surface64A.

Referring again particularly to FIG. 3, the seatback 40 further includesa second lower support member 68 attached to the top portion 52 of theseatback 40. The second lower support member 68 is identical to thefirst lower support member 54 and thus includes an aperture 70, a planarsurface 72, and an upward extension 74 disposed rearward of the aperture70. The planar surface 72 of the second lower support member 68 isparallel to the planar surface 60 of the first lower support member 54.The upward extension 74 of the second lower support member 68 isparallel to the upward extension 56 of the first lower support member54. If the alternative embodiment first lower support member 54A isutilized on the seatback 40, the second lower support member 68 caninclude the same differentiating alternative features discussed abovefor the first lower support member 54A.

Referring again particularly to FIGS. 3-4, the headrest 42 includes afront portion 76 (see also FIG. 1), a rear portion 78, a bottom portion80, a side portion 82, and another side portion 84. The front portion 76faces and supports the head of an occupant occupying the seatingassembly 22. An occupant of the seat 26 of the second row of seating 20faces the rear portion 78 of the headrest 42. The side portion 82 facesthe same general direction as the side portion 48 of the seatback 40.The other side portion 84 faces the same general direction as the otherside portion 50 of the seatback 40. The bottom portion 80 faces the topportion 52 of the seatback 40.

The headrest 42 further includes a first coupling member 86, whichcouples the headrest 42 to the seatback 40. The headrest 42 furtherincludes a second coupling member 88, which also couples the headrest 42to the seatback 40. The first coupling member 86 and the second couplingmember 88 can be shaped identically. In this embodiment of the seatingassembly 22, the first coupling member 86 and the second coupling member88 are spaced apart metal bars. The first coupling member 86 and thesecond coupling member 88 project into the seatback 40. Alternativeembodiments of the seating assembly 22 (not shown) may use only thefirst coupling member 86, which in that embodiment could be a wider,wall-like, plastic or metal component that projects into the seatback40. The first coupling member 86 extends downward from the bottomportion 80 of the headrest 42 and through the aperture 58 of the firstlower support member 54 before projecting into the seatback 40. Theaperture 58 of the first lower support member 54 surrounds the firstcoupling member 86. The second coupling member 88 likewise extendsdownward from the bottom portion 80 of the headrest 42 and through theaperture 70 of the second lower support member 68 before projecting intothe seatback 40. The aperture 70 of the second lower support member 68surrounds the second coupling member 88.

The headrest 42 further includes an upper support member 90. The uppersupport member 90 is disposed at the bottom portion 80 of the headrest42 and can be attached to the bottom portion 80. The upper supportmember 90 includes a downward extension 92. The downward extension 92extends downward away from the bottom portion 80 of the headrest 42toward the top portion 52 of the seatback 40. The upper support member90 further includes a planar surface 94, which may be generally parallelto the planar surface 60 of the first lower support member 54 and theplanar surface 72 of the second lower support member 68. The downwardextension 92 extends generally orthogonally downward from the planarsurface 94 and the bottom portion 80 of the headrest 42. The downwardextension 92 has a side 96 disposed toward the side portion 82 of theheadrest 42 and another side 98 disposed toward the other side portion84 of the headrest 42. The downward extension 92 is disposed generallybetween the first coupling member 86 and the second coupling member 88.That is, the other side 98 of the upper support member 90 is disposedcloser to the first coupling member 86 than the other side portion 84 ofthe headrest 42. Likewise, the side 96 of the upper support member 90 isdisposed closer to the second coupling member 88 than to the sideportion 82 of the headrest 42. In an alternative embodiment (notillustrated), the upper support member 90 extends most or all of thelength of the headrest 42 between the side portion 82 and the other sideportion 84 of the headrest 42.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, an alternative embodiment of theheadrest 42, specifically, headrest 42A, is illustrated. Headrest 42A,which is otherwise identical to headrest 42 (and thus includes a rearportion 78A, a bottom portion 80A, a side portion 82A, and another sideportion 84A), further includes a downward extending portion 100A thatextends generally orthogonally downward relative to the bottom portion80A. The downward extending portion 100A is disposed forward of thefirst coupling member 86A and the second coupling member 88A. Thedownward extending portion 100A is additionally forward the uppersupport member 90A. The downward extending portion 100A can have a width102A that is wider than the distance between the upward extension 56 ofthe first lower support member 54 and upward extension 74 of the secondlower support member 68. Similarly, the width 102A of the downwardextending portion 100A can be wider than a width 104A of the downwardextension 92A of the upper support member 90A. The downward extendingportion 100A can extend from side portion 82A of the headrest 42A to theother side portion 84A.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the headrest 42 is adjustable relativeto the seatback 40 so that the headrest 42 can be positioned to andbetween a lowered position 106 (FIG. 7A) and a raised position 108 (FIG.7B). More specifically, a distance 110 between the top portion 52 of theseatback 40 and the bottom portion 80 of the headrest 42 can beadjusted. The distance 110 can be adjusted by manipulating how far thefirst coupling member 86 and, if utilized, the second coupling member88, of the headrest 42 projects into the seatback 40. In general terms,the headrest 42 can be adjusted up or down relative to the seatback 40.The bottom portion 80 of the headrest 42 is closer to the seatback 40 inthe lowered position 106 than it is in the raised position 108 and thusthe first coupling member 86 (and the second coupling member 88, ifused) projects further into the seatback 40 in the lowered position 106than it does in the raised position 108. In another embodiment (notillustrated), the downward extension 92 of the upper support member 90can extend downward to the top portion 52 of the seatback 40 when theheadrest 42 is in the raised position 108. In such an embodiment, thedownward extension 92 can project into the seatback 40, similar to thefirst coupling member 86 and the second coupling member 88 when theheadrest 42 is in the lowered position 106.

The seating assembly 22 further includes a connection port 112. Theconnection port 112 is in addition to the primary connection port 32accessible from the first row of seating 18 (see FIG. 1A). In thisembodiment, the connection port 112 is disposed at the seatback 40, morespecifically, the rear portion 46 of the seatback 40. The connectionport 112 could likewise be disposed at the headrest 42 or at anotherportion of the seatback 40, such as the top portion 52. The connectionport 112, as discussed more fully below, enables a mobile computingdevice 114 to connect with the communications and entertainmentcomputing system 30 within the vehicle 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, a novel method of supporting the mobilecomputing device 114 in a vehicle 10 with the seating assembly 22 isdisclosed. The mobile computing device 114 can be a smartphone (such asthe IPHONE® 7, by Apple, Inc.), a tablet (such as the IPAD®, by Apple,Inc.), and any other device that stores audio and/or video for playbackor can stream audio and/or video for playback from another source. Themobile computing device 114 will typically have a display 116. If theheadrest 42 is in the lowered position 106 (see FIG. 7A), then theheadrest 42 is raised toward or to the raised position 108 (such as inFIG. 8).

The method further includes placing the mobile computing device 114between the seatback 40 and the headrest 42. More specifically, themobile computing device 114 is placed adjacent and forward the upwardextension 56 of the first lower support member 54. In other words, theupward extension 56 of the first lower support member 54 is rearward themobile computing device 114. The mobile computing device 114 is betweenthe upward extension 56 of the first lower support member 54 and thefirst coupling member 86. The mobile computing device 114 is placedrearward of the first coupling member 86. In addition, the mobilecomputing device 114 is placed adjacent and rearward the downwardextension 92 of the upper support member 90. The downward extension 92of the upper support member 90 is forward the mobile computing device114. In embodiments including the second lower support member 68, themobile computing device 114 is placed adjacent and forward the upwardextension 74 of the second lower support member 68, in the same manneras the first lower support member 54. In some embodiments, the mobilecomputing device 114 may abut the first coupling member 86 and thesecond coupling member 88.

The headrest 42 is then adjusted relative to the seatback 40 such thatthe seatback 40 and the headrest 42 support the mobile computing device114, such as by moving (see FIG. 9) the headrest 42 in a direction 107toward the lowered position 106 until the mobile computing device 114prevents further movement of the headrest 42 toward the lowered position106. As the headrest 42 is adjusted/moved closer to the seatback 40 (thedistance 110 decreases), the first coupling member 86 is caused to movewithin the aperture 58 of the first lower support member 54 and furtherwithin the seatback 40. In embodiments that include the second couplingmember 88, as the headrest 42 is adjusted closer to the seatback 40, thesecond coupling member 88 is caused to move within the aperture 70 ofthe second lower support member 68 and further within the seatback 40.The planar surface 60 of the first lower support member 54 may supportthe mobile computing device 114 from below the mobile computing device114. The first lower support member 54 further supports the mobilecomputing device 114 by preventing a side 118 of the mobile computingdevice 114 from moving rearward or downward. The upper support member 90further supports the mobile computing device 114 by preventing anotherside 120 of the mobile computing 114 device from moving upward orforward. The downward extension 92 of the upper support member 90supports the mobile computing device 114 by preventing the other side120 of the mobile computing device 114 from moving forward. The planarsurface 94 of the upper support member 90 supports the mobile computingdevice 114 by preventing the other side 120 of the mobile computingdevice 114 from moving upward. In embodiments including the second lowersupport member 68, the upward extension 74 of the second lower supportmember 68 further supports the mobile computing device 114 by preventingthe mobile computing device 114 from moving rearward. The second lowersupport member 68 supports the mobile computing device 114 by preventingthe mobile computing device 114 from moving downward. In someembodiments, the first coupling member 86 and the second coupling member88 may contact (abut) and support the mobile computing device 114 bypreventing the mobile computing device 114 from moving forward. Themobile computing device 114 is now disposed between the top portion 52of the seatback 40 and the bottom portion 80 of the headrest 42, suchthat the downward extension 92 of the upper support member 90, theupward extension 56 of the first lower support member 54, and the upwardextension 74 of the second lower support member 68 support the mobilecomputing device 114.

In the event that the alternative embodiment first lower support member54A (see FIGS. 5A-5B) and a second lower support member of the samedesign were utilized to support the mobile computing device 114, theside 118 of the mobile computing device 114 could be disposed within thegroove 66A. The groove 66A supports the mobile computing device 114 bypreventing the side 118 of the mobile computing from moving down and tosome extent forward. The orthogonal surface 64A of the upward extension56A supports the mobile computing device 114 by preventing the side 118of the mobile computing device from moving rearward.

The method can further include connecting the mobile computing device114 to the connection port 112. A wire 122 (see FIG. 9) can connect themobile computing device 114 to the connection port 112. The connectionport 112 can also provide electricity to the mobile computing device114, such as to charge a battery (not illustrated) within the mobilecomputing device 114.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11B, the alternative embodiment headrest 42A,is illustrated first in the raised position 108 (FIG. 11A) as the mobilecomputing device 114 is placed between the headrest 42A and the seatback40. When the headrest 42A is utilized, the step of placing the mobilecomputing device 114 between the seatback 40 and the headrest 42Afurther includes placing the mobile computing device 114 rearward of thedownward extending portion 100A of the headrest 42A. In other words, thedownward extending portion 100A is disposed forward of the mobilecomputing device 114. The headrest 42A is then moved downward in adirection 107A toward the lowered position 106 until the mobilecomputing device 114 prevents further downward movement (FIG. 11B), inthe same manner described above for the headrest 42. Depending on thesize and shape of the mobile computing device 114, the downwardextending portion 100A may further support the mobile computing device114 by preventing the mobile computing device 114 from moving forward.The first lower support member 54, the second lower support member 68,the upper support member, the first coupling member 86A, the secondcoupling member 88A all support the mobile computing device 114 in thesame manner described above for the headrest 42. The downward extendingportion 100A can be disposed forward of the front portion 44 of theseatback 40.

It should be understood that the other seating assembly 24 of the firstrow of seating 18 can be identical to seating assembly 22, and supportthe mobile computing device 114 and/or another mobile computing devicein a like manner, allowing connection to the communications andentertainment computing system 30 through a connection port. Thediscussion above for the seating assembly 22 supporting mobile computingdevice 114 applies to seating assembly 24. Further, it should beunderstood that headrests present on the second row of seating 20 cansupport the mobile computing device 114 and/or another mobile computingin the same manner described above, and provide a connection to thecommunications and entertainment computing system 30, when the vehicle10 has a third row of seating.

The method can further include synchronizing the mobile computing device114 with the communications and entertainment computing system 30. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 12 the communications and entertainmentcomputing system 30 can store and execute a synchronizing routine 124.More specifically, the communications and entertainment computing system30 can include memory that stores the synchronizing routine 124 and amicroprocessor in communication with the memory that executes thesynchronizing routine 124. The synchronizing routine 124 begins at step126. The synchronizing routine 124 proceeds to step 128, where thecommunications entertainment computing system 30 recognizes to whichconnection port(s) of the connection ports (including primary connectionport 32 and connection port 112) disposed in the vehicle 10, if any, amobile computing device, including the mobile computing device 114, isconnected. At step 130, the synchronizing routine 124 queries whetherany mobile computing devices are connected. If the answer to the queryis “NO,” then the synchronizing routine 124 proceeds to step 132, endingthe synchronizing routine 124. However, if the answer to the query is“YES,” then the synchronizing routine 124 proceeds to step 134. At step134, the synchronizing routine 124 queries whether more than one mobilecomputing device is connected. If the answer to the query is “NO,” thenthe synchronizing routine 124 proceeds to step 136, where the soleconnected mobile computing device, which can be the mobile computingdevice 114, is allowed to control the communications and entertainmentcomputing system 30. The synchronizing routine 124 then proceeds to step132, ending the synchronizing routine 124. However, if the answer to thequery of step 134 is “YES,” then the synchronizing routine 124 proceedsto step 138.

At step 138, the synchronizing routine 124 requests input (for example,from the operator of the vehicle 10) as to which connected mobilecomputing device of the multiple connected mobile computing devicesshall control the communications and entertainment computing system 30.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the communications andentertainment computing system 30 can cause the user interface 34 todisplay a query 139, for the operator, as to which mobile computingdevice then connected to the communications and entertainment computingsystem 30 shall control the communications and entertainment computingsystem 30. The communications and entertainment computing system 30 canadditionally cause the user interface 34 to display an array ofgraphical representations 140 a-140 c for the operator to touch in orderto make a selection responding to the query. In the example illustrated,graphical representation 140 a represents the primary connection port32, which is accessible via the first row of seating 18. Thus, theoperator would touch graphical representation 140 a to select the mobilecomputing device connected to the primary connection port 32 to controlthe communications and entertainment computing system 30. Graphicalrepresentation 140 b represents the connection port 112 disposed at therear portion 46 of the seating assembly 22 and thus accessible from seat26 of the second row of seating 20. Thus, the operator would touchgraphical representation 140 b to select the mobile computing device 114connected to the connection port 112 to control the communications andentertainment computing system 30. Graphical representation 140 crepresents a connection port disposed at the rear portion of the otherseating assembly 24 and thus accessible from seat 28 of the second rowof seating 20. In this example, seating assembly 24 is not supporting amobile computing device and a mobile computing device is not connectedto the communications and entertainment computing system 30 through aconnection port disposed on seating assembly 24 accessible by anoccupant sitting on seat 28 of the second row of seating 20. Graphicalrepresentation 140 c can thus be non-selectable. Graphicalrepresentation 140 c further includes an indicator 142 that the choiceis not selectable. The operator makes the choice by touching the desiredselectable graphical representation 140 a or 140 b.

After the operator makes the choice, the synchronizing routine 124proceeds to step 144. At step 144, the communications and entertainmentcomputing system 30 authorizes the mobile computing device associatedwith the selected graphical representation 140 a-140 c to control thecommunications and entertainment computing system 30. For example, ifthe operator desires to allow the mobile computing device 114 connectedto the connection port 112 located on the rear portion 46 of the seatingassembly 22 to control the communications and entertainment computingsystem 30, then the operator touches graphical representation 140 a. Thecommunications and entertainment computing system 30 then grants mobilecomputing device 114 control over the communications and entertainmentcomputing system 30. The synchronizing routine 124 then proceeds to step132, ending the synchronizing routine 124.

The method can further include controlling the audio output of thespeaker system (such as speaker 36) within the vehicle 10 with themobile computing device 114. For example, the mobile computing device114 can stream audio from files located on the mobile computing device114 or streamed from the Internet, for which audio files thecommunications and entertainment computing system 30 then causes thespeaker system (such as speaker 36) to output. Likewise, the mobilecomputing device 114 can control functions within the vehicle 10controllable by the communications and entertainment computing system30, such as a radio (not illustrated).

In other embodiments, the mobile computing device 114 can control otherfunctions not associated with audio, such as navigation aids. Forexample, a passenger manipulating the mobile computing device 114 canenter an address into a navigation function of the communications andentertainment computing system 30. The communications and entertainmentcomputing system 30 can then output directions to the address visuallyfor the operator of the vehicle on the user interface 34. In general,the mobile computing device 114, when authorized to control, can controlany function available in association with the communications andentertainment computing system 30.

The mobile computing device 114 is supported in place on the seatingassembly 22. A passenger sitting in seat 26 behind seating assembly 22can watch a video on the mobile computing device 114, while the mobilecomputing device 114 is supported in place. When the passenger desiresto exit the vehicle 10 with the mobile computing device 114, thepassenger can cause the headrest 42 to move upward from the seatback 40back toward the raised position 108, which allows the mobile computingdevice 114 to be removed.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

To the extent any amendments, characterizations, or other assertionspreviously made (in this or in any related patent applications orpatents, including any parent, sibling, or child) with respect to anyart, prior or otherwise, could be construed as a disclaimer of anysubject matter supported by the present disclosure of this application,Applicant hereby rescinds and retracts such disclaimer. Applicant alsorespectfully submits that any prior art previously considered in anyrelated patent applications or patents, including any parent, sibling,or child, may need to be re-visited.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of supporting a mobile computing devicein a vehicle comprising: in a vehicle having a seating assembly with aseatback and a headrest adjustably coupled to the seatback via a firstcoupling member projecting into the seatback, the seatback comprising(i) a top portion that is the upper most part of the seatback and (ii) afirst lower support member attached to the top portion, the first lowersupport member comprising an upward extension that extends away from thetop portion, and the headrest comprising (i) a bottom portion facing thetop portion of the seatback and (ii) an upper support member disposed atthe bottom portion of the headrest, the upper support member including aplanar surface and a downward extension that extends generallyorthogonally downward from the planar surface and downward away from thebottom portion of the headrest, while the first coupling member extendsinto the seatback, placing a mobile computing device between the topportion of the seatback and the bottom portion of the headrest; andadjusting the headrest relative to the seatback such that the seatbackand the headrest support the mobile computing device with the mobilecomputing device disposed between the top portion of the seatback andthe bottom portion of the headrest, wherein, the first lower supportmember of the seatback and the upper support member of the headrestcooperate to support the mobile computing device.
 2. The method of claim1 further comprising: placing the mobile computing device adjacent andforward of the upward extension of the first lower support member. 3.The method of claim 2 further comprising: with the seatback furtherincluding a second lower support member attached to the seatback at thetop portion of the seatback, the second lower support member includingan upward extension, placing the mobile computing device adjacent andforward of the upward extension of the second lower support member. 4.The method of claim 1 further comprising: connecting the mobilecomputing device to a connection port disposed at the seating assembly,the connection port providing a connection with a communications andentertainment computing system within the vehicle.
 5. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising: placing the mobile computing device betweenthe upward extension of the first lower support member and the firstcoupling member, such that the mobile computing device is placedrearward of the first coupling member.
 6. The method of claim 5, whereinthe first lower support member further comprises an aperture throughwhich the first coupling member extends, and the first coupling memberextends into the seatback through the aperture of the first lowersupport member, adjusting the headrest relative to the seatback causesthe first coupling member to move within the aperture of the first lowersupport member and further within the seatback.
 7. The method of claim 1further comprising: placing the mobile computing device adjacent andrearward of the downward extension of the upper support member, wherein,the upper support member supports the mobile computing device bypreventing the mobile computing device from moving upward.
 8. The methodof claim 1, adjusting the headrest relative to the seatback includesmoving the headrest toward the seatback until the mobile computingdevice prevents further movement of the headrest toward the seatback. 9.The method of claim 1, wherein, the vehicle further comprises acommunications and entertainment computing system; the method furthercomprising: connecting the mobile computing device to a connection port,such that the mobile computing device becomes synchronized with thecommunications and entertainment computing system.
 10. The method ofclaim 9 further comprising: with the vehicle further including a speakersystem configured to output audio, controlling the audio of the speakersystem with the mobile computing device.
 11. The method of claim 9further comprising: with the communications and entertainment computingsystem further including a navigation function, using the mobilecomputing device as a user interface to enter an address that thenavigation function of the communications and entertainment computingsystem utilizes to output directions to the address for an operator ofthe vehicle to follow.
 12. The method of claim 9 further comprising:watching a video displayed on the mobile computing device while theseating assembly supports the mobile computing device in place.
 13. Themethod of claim 9 further comprising: occupying a seat behind theseating assembly.
 14. The method of claim 9 further comprising:adjusting the headrest upward from the seatback and removing the mobilecomputing device from the seating assembly.
 15. The method of claim 9further comprising: causing a speaker system of the vehicle to outputaudio from the mobile computing device.
 16. The method of claim 1,wherein the vehicle further comprises a first row of seating and asecond row of seating disposed rearward of the first row of seating; andthe first row of seating includes the seating assembly.